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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffTypical pinworm infections don't cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, complications can develop from a heavy infection, including:
- Urinary tract infection. More common in females, urinary tract infections sometimes are caused by heavy pinworm infestation. The parasite can also migrate to the bladder, causing cystitis.
- Infection of the peritoneal cavity. In women or girls, the parasite may travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and the area around the pelvic organs. This can cause vaginitis, endometritis or other problems.
- Dientamoeba fragilis infection. This parasite, which lives in human intestines, is often spread through contaminated food or water. Although scientists aren't sure, it appears that you may be able to contract this parasite by swallowing pinworm eggs — which may contain the fragile parasite. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, weight loss, loss of appetite and fatigue. You can prevent pinworm-related infection by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly to make sure you don't swallow pinworm eggs that may be on your hands.
- Weight loss. When a large number of adult pinworms are living in your intestine, they can cause enough abdominal pain and take enough nutrients that you will lose weight.
